Coated surgical blade

Abstract

A method and apparatus for identifying an insertion area of a surgical blade is disclosed. It is desirable for an indicator to be applied to the surface of a surgical blade prior to being packaged for distribution, preferably during the manufacturing process. The indicator, which may include any tissue dye approved for surgical use, may be applied without damaging the cutting edge of the surgical blade. When the blade is inserted into a tissue, a portion of the indicator is transferred from the surface of the blade, or any other part of the device, to the tissue. After a surgeon performs the necessary incision and removes the blade, the indicator that has been transferred to the tissue aids in visually identifying the incision area. In this manner, subsequent manipulation of the incision area during the surgical process is facilitated.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to surgical blades used during surgery. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dye coated surgical blade that visually identifies an area of incision.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of medicine has evolved over the centuries to include the ability to diagnose and treat various ailments. Modem medicine began by diagnosing a patient's ailments through observing a patient and their symptoms. As the field evolved, doctors have been able to perform more invasive procedures and tests, such as blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI's), and surgery. Most, if not all, invasive procedures have at least one characteristic in common; they require an incision into a patient's tissue.[0003]Incisions have been made into tissues utilizing sharpened metal blades or diamond blades for several decades. One of the more recent advances in medicine is the ability to perform surgical procedures using smaller incision...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about an apparatus and method for identifying an insertion area in a tissue. The apparatus includes an insertion device with a sharp edge and an indicator applied to at least part of the surface of the insertion device. The indicator is transferred to the tissue when the insertion device contacts it. The method involves applying the indicator to the insertion device in a way that doesn't damage the cutting edge, and then inserting it into the tissue. The indicator helps visually identify the insertion area. The invention also includes a method for applying the indicator to a blade and a method for making an incision using the blade. The technical effects of the invention include improved visual identification of the insertion area and improved precision in making incisions."

Problems solved by technology

One of the difficulties that arise when performing small incisions in eye tissue is that the incision can become invisible even under the magnification of an operating microscope.

This leads to attempts to identify the incision through further manipulations, causing increased trauma, distortion of the wound, increased surgical time, and postoperative pain.

Unfortunately, this method has many limitations.

Primarily, it requires purchasing an individual marker for each case, thereby increasing the cost per case.

It also takes some time for the surgeon or assistant to apply the dye, leading to increased operating time.

Damage to the cutting edge of the blade may also potentially occur, leading to more difficult or traumatic surgery.

To further complicate matters, the skin scribe can result in inconsistent application of the dye to the blade, e.g., too much or too little dye, which in turn results in inconsistent application to the incision.

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